Look Up

I love an epic adventure story. Lord of the Rings has a special place in my heart. The roaming journey through ancient lands captivates me. I somehow find myself comparing parts of my story to specific events.  So please bear with me as I paint this picture. Each of us have a story that trudges through untold, winding paths. 

However, a while back I found myself in a place, on my own journey, I’ve never been. In the midst of this the Lord showed me this picture and has repeatedly brought it to my mind. I found myself standing in front of a giant forest. This forest is dense, overgrown, old, gnarled. The light can’t find a crack to even sneak through. I was on a path but it is now lost in the dense over growth. The ground is completely consumed by moss and ivy. Has anyone ever stepped here before? I can’t tell, not even a blade of grass is bent.

I think we often find ourselves in front of a new situation, that feels like we hit a wall. Maybe it’s a death, the loss of a job, a betrayal, divorce.  Or maybe it’s something welcome like the birth of a child, a new job, buying a home, starting a business. But the truth is the path before is new and I don’t know about you but I find myself searching the ground for a path to follow. Trying desperately to find the footsteps of anyone who has gone before me. 

As I have spent the last few month looking desperately to find a place to take my next step, I heard Holy Spirit say, “Look up.” Not look into the sky but just “Look up.” My eyes have been fixed on the lost path in font of  me. So scared to take a step because what if it’s the wrong step? What if my step changes the trajectory of my journey and I veer off course? What if I step on uneven ground and lose my footing? (Sorry if this metaphor is getting out of hand). But then I hear his voice again saying, “Look up.”  And as I choose to look up the image in my mind changed.

A few weeks ago when I heard Holy Spirit say, “Look up” the picture shifted. The ground is still over grown and the forest dense, but there is something new. When I look up, look ahead of me I see it. I see the opening through the trees. It wasn’t there before. But at the same time it was always there. A path through the situation. But it hasn’t been traveled before. Not because no one in the world has ever walked though this, but because I have never walked through this. This is my story, this is my journey. 

So here is my encouragement to you. Whatever the forest before you is, look up. There is a path through this new season. It’s your path and no one else’s. Ask Holy Spirit to walk with you. He is right there beside you on this journey. I was reminded of these words in Psalms

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:23-24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I love you all and I’m cheering you on along the journey.